One Last Post for 2006!

Falco sparverius

I finished this study of a male American Kestrel today. It's Derwent watercolor pencils on a 9"x9" sheet of 180# Canson acrylic paper. Gotta say I prefer the Canson for wc much more than acrylics.

Adios 2006! - Joyce Brandon

Happy New Year

There are a number of things I hope to accomplish in the comming 365 days... things I need to learn, things I need to change, things I need to continue. I don't like the whole resolution concept, life tends to overwhelm those last minute promises and they are left behind in a trail of mild regrets... There isn't any reason to make more promises to myself that I will not keep in the end.

So instead I've found two quotes that I feel are very fitting for me at this time.

"It has bothered me all my life that I do not paint like everybody else." - Henri Matisse

"The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity" - Alberto Giacometti

The words of Matisse touch my soul. It is a feeling of inadequacy that I relate to very deeply. Knowing that an artist such as himself could possibly have felt the same is both confounding and reassuring.

The Giacometti quote is so powerful, it gives me hope and comfort as a reminder that in this time of photo-realism & stunning computer generated art, there is still a place for an artist like myself if I continue to push myself to create the emotional intensity in my work that each subject sparks in my heart.

I wish for us all an inspiring and fulfilling new year!

- Joyce Brandon

Worldwide Women Artists Who Blog

Artist's blogs allow us to post works in progress, give the world a glimpse into our lives, and get to know one another. To me a blog is a continually evolving artist's statement, without all the flowery terms and jargon.

I hope art lovers and artist's alike will take a moment and check out the link to this collection of the blogging members of Worldwide Women Artists. A permanent link can be found in the right hand column beneath my profile even after this post passes from the main page. ~ Joyce Brandon

Colinus virginianus

Northern Bobwhite Quail - my latest completed project, a gift for a friend. 8"x10" acrylic on canvas. All together now... "Joyce! Photograph first, varnish second!"

I'm re-reading a favorite book, Living the Artist's Life by Paul Dorrell. When ever I need a kick in the pants this book does it for me. It's an energizer, no doubt!

On a sad note... We had a terrible weekend in our little Sparrow Grass Rabbitry.

Cinders had her first litter on the wire and they didn't make it. Then less than 24 hours later Lil' Misfit passed away from a wool block and took her babies with her. In all we lost the sweet doe and 8 kits. Our loss is made only more painful knowing what gentle, loving little bunnies Jersey Woolies are. We miss our Misfit, and we will miss having the opportunity to love, play with and get to know all the babies. - Joyce Brandon

WC Pencils

Yesterday was a busy day of completing Christmas shopping & grocery shopping. I'm tired out! But in the middle of all the hustle I did manage to pick up a nice set of Derwent watercolor pencils. I've been wanting to try them out for a long time. -Joyce Brandon

Whew! Website Updated...

I'm very happy to say that my website has been completely revamped & updated. Thank goodness for GoDaddy!

Please take a moment to visit and see the new and improved JoyceBrandon.com. What a relief to have that all up to date again. - Joyce Brandon

New Auction

Norwegian Fjord Horse

He's for sale on eBay! Just click here... - Joyce Brandon

My Heart is Broken

Peter Boyle has passed away. The first movie my husband and I watched together was Young Frankenstein. I loved his episode of the X-files. He will be so very missed. - Joyce Brandon

Basher

This is my sketch based on a wetcanvas reference image. I can't wait to get going on the canvas. - Joyce Brandon

Finished

- Joyce Brandon

Success!

Cole got his deer yesterday. It was a perfect shot and a beautiful doe. He's taken her in and we'll have a nice freezer full of venison soon.